Could drones cut parcel delivery costs in Moray?

Proposals are in the development stage to test whether drones could deliver parcels around remote parts of Moray and the rest of Scotland.

Moray's MSP, who has led a campaign for fairer parcel delivery charges, recently met with IONA Drones, a private company which is investigating the novel approach.

Richard Lochhead described the plans as "ambitious", adding they had the potential to make a real difference to the current delivery fees faced by some customers in rural areas, which he labelled as extortionate and illogical.

Under the plans, autonomous fleets of electric drones would take over from traditional vans to complete the last, and often most expensive, section of deliveries.

Mr Lochhead said: "It was good to meet with the team at IONA and hear first-hand their proposals to provide clear and affordable parcel delivery rates for all customers by utilising drones.

"Due to continued inaction from the UK government, customers and businesses are being hit with eye-watering charges for deliveries every day.

"It is innovative solutions like this that will help end unfair parcel delivery charges

"The plans put forward by IONA are ambitious and could revolutionize the way deliveries are carried out in rural areas by showcasing a new-tech solution to this problem.

"I'm keen to work with IONA and other stakeholders to look at a trial of this system here in Moray."

Research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre indicates the extra charges to rural areas cost customers in Scotland about £45 million per year.

Learn more about IONA at the company's website HERE